MARIETTA — Robert Cooks needed 149 yards in his final game in an Osborne uniform to break 1,000 yards for the season. The senior running back finished with 150 as the Cardinal closed their 2012 season with a 20-7 win over Cambridge.

“My offensive line helped me out all game,” said Cooks, who cramped up with 4 seconds left on the clock. “They wanted to get 1,000 yards for me and I appreciate everything they did for me this year.

“I have to thank coach Smith for giving me the carries and helping me lead the team when I needed to.”

Osborne (2-8) needs Cooks to help close out the Bears, who stayed close despite turning the ball over three times in the second half.

“It was a tough game and they kept it close,” Osborne coach Xarvia Smith said. “We just can’t seem to score any points.”

Cardinals senior Shanoy Lester scored the final points of the season with a fourth quarter interception he predicted at the half.

“I told coach in the locker room that I was going to get a pick for him,” Lester said. “I’ve been working real hard to get a pick and in the end, I read my keys and played it right. I got the pick and scored and it felt real good.”

The defense played well the entire game, keeping Cambridge off the board until Kevin Little connected with Tate Prezzano in the closing moments of the fourth quarter.

“Our defense has played well the last couple of weeks,” said Smith. “We’ve got five freshmen playing on defense, so we’re playing a lot of young guys.”

With 11 seniors, those young guys will be needed if Osborne hopes to avoid finishing 2-8 for a third consecutive year.

“I have to do a better job as a coach,” said Smith, “and I think next year’s team, we’re going to come back and get over this hump.”

For those walking off Cardinal Field for the final time, it was a bittersweet conclusion with a bright future ahead.

“I’m going to miss this a lot,” said Lester. “High school isn’t coming back. My next step is college and I’m just going to keep going.”

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